Dairy & eggs

Cheese, neufchatel

FDC 171246oz (28 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 23 · -12 vs Dairy & eggs median

Neufchatel scores 23 of 100, a Low band result and 47th of 60 among Dairy & eggs entries, though its vitamin A reading of 27% DV is its clearest strength, backed by a good showing of protein at 18% DV.

Softer and tangier than standard cream cheese, it spreads easily onto bagels or blends into cheesecake batter and dips without the heaviness of full-fat versions. Saturated fat is still the number to watch, at 12.8 g per 100 g, so treating it as a spread rather than a scoop-by-the-spoonful ingredient keeps portions in check.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around cheese, neufchatel, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 9.2 g · 14%Carb 3.6 g · 6%Fat 22.8 g · 80%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories253 kcal13%
Total fat23 g29%
Saturated fat13 g64%
Cholesterol74 mg25%
Sodium334 mg15%
Carbohydrate3.6 g1%
Dietary fiber0 g0%
Sugars3.2 g
Protein9.2 g18%
Potassium152 mg3%
Calcium117 mg9%
Iron0.13 mg1%
Magnesium10 mg2%
Vitamin C0 mg0%
Vitamin A241 µg27%
Vitamin E0.4 mg3%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 171246

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Vitamin A27% DV
Protein18% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the dairy & eggs median

Nutrient density23 vs 35 median
Protein / 100 g9.2 vs 9 median
Fiber / 100 g0 vs 0 median
Sodium / 100 g334 vs 162 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Cheese, fetaDensity 23 vs 23Ice cream cookie sandwichDensity 23 vs 23Ice cream sundae coneDensity 23 vs 23

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Neufchatel is a soft, fresh cheese similar to cream cheese but with a slightly lower fat content and a somewhat tangier, more crumbly texture. It spreads easily on bagels and toast, blends smoothly into cheesecake batters and frostings, and can be stirred into dips, sauces or mashed potatoes to add creaminess. Because its flavor is mild, it takes well to both sweet additions like fruit preserves and savory mix-ins like herbs, garlic or smoked salmon.

Look for neufchatel in the dairy case near cream cheese, usually sold in a foil-wrapped block; once opened, keep it tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use it within about a week for the best texture. An ounce provides 253 calories, 9.15 grams of protein and 27% DV vitamin A, so swapping it into a recipe that calls for cream cheese trims a bit of fat while still contributing a meaningful protein boost to a spread or dip.

Frequently asked questions about cheese, neufchatel

How many calories are in neufchatel cheese?

One ounce of neufchatel has 253 calories.

Is neufchatel a good source of vitamin A?

Yes, it provides about 27% of the Daily Value for vitamin A per 100 g.

How is neufchatel different from cream cheese?

Neufchatel has a slightly lower fat content and a tangier, more crumbly texture, and is used the same way in spreads, dips and baked cheesecakes.

View the USDA source record